A lot of photographers like to shoot people in the streets, but of course has trouble finding out how to go about with it. Should one ask for permission, develop sneaky ways of doing it, or simply do it upfront?

It's allowed in most countries to shoot in public places, and even private property such as a railway station or a supermarket may count as public because that is what it is: Open to the public. But that doesn't mean that some security guard may not try to prevent it, or parents if you shoot children in a public playground.

My own personal rule is that I will only shoot pictures of people that will do something good for them. So if someone feel offended by it, parents gets nervous, someone feel their privacy is threatened, an illegal worker is documented working ... well, it's not going to do any good for them.

In any case, here are some photos from Los Angeles I did the last couple of weeks. I'll be staying in Los Angeles for another two weeks.

Thorsten von Overgaard is a Danish writer and photographer, specializing in portrait photography and documentary photography, known for writings about photography and as an educator.
Some photos are available as signed editions via galleries or onlline. For specific photography needs, contact Thorsten Overgaard via e-mail.